Vacuum sealing machine



Aug. 1,6, 1938. H. A. BARNBY VACUUM SEALINQ MACHINE Filed sept. 2o, 19345 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY l Aug- 16, 1938- H. A. BARNBY 2,126,942

VACUM SEALING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 I uhm I l!lllllllmQj-lllmllllll I IN VEN TOR.

VAGUU SEALING MACHINE H. A. BARNBY VACUUM SEALING MACHINE Aug. 16, 1938.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 20, 1954 m... .mi

INI/EN ATTORNEY Aug. 16, 1938. H, AF BARNBY 2,126,942

VACUUM SEALING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1934 l '5 Sheets-Shee't 5 ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 1e, 193s UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIca VACUUMSEALING MACHINE Herbert A. Bambi, Toledo, Ohio, signor to Owens-IllinoisGlass Company. a corporation of Ohio Application september zo, 1934,seria N9. '144.351

` 1e claims. (ci. zza-sz) My invention relates to improvements in vacvtice in vacuumizing and sealing conta.iners.moreV especially glass jars,to place them in their entirety within a vacuum chamber and thereafterquickly exhaust the air from said chamber and container by instantaneousapplication of the highest available vacuum. This procedure isobjectionable for two reasons, first. because it necessitatesvacuumizing an unnecessarily large space to create a vacuum in thecontainers and, second, because the rapid exhaustion of air from thecontainers, where the contents are in powdered form, tends to andgenerally does draw some of the contents between the sealing gasket andsealing surface of the jar where they become lodged and preventeffective sealing engagement between the gasket and jar.

This latter phenomenon is especially true in the packaging of granulated'coffee wherein the container or jar employed is provided with arelatively large orifice, and the correspondingly large closure or lidis loosely positioned` on the jar preparatory to the vacuumizing andlidtightening operation. A It has been found that a sudden applicationof a high vacuum causes the lid to raise from the jar with anaccompanying sudden exit or leaping out of the coffee through the largerorifice which the lid affords between its inner lining and the sealingsurface of the lar.

An object of the present invention is to avoid the first of the abovenoted objections by materially reducing the volume from which the airmust be exhausted in order to vacuumize the containers, and the'secondthereof by controlling the application of vacuum in a fashion to preventundue agitation of the contents and escape of such contents through apassageway which is created by lifting of the closure under influence ofthe vacuum applied. To this end the vacuum chambers which are individualto thev containers being vacuumized, are of such area that they mayaccommodate only the neck of the jars and closures together with adevice for rotating and thereby tightening the clomn'es. Moreover, .themeans for controlling the application of vacuum is such that a very lowvacuum is applied at the beginning of the vacuumizing operation, thedegree being gradually and progressively increased as the vacuumizingoperation progresses with,Y

out equalization of the vacuum applied to the several heads or chambers.I am aware that in the vacuumizing and sealing of narrow neck containerswherein the closure or cap is crimped to the container closely enoughthat the problem 5 of leakage by dusting of the product does not occur,a two-stage method of vacuumizing is sometimes employed. In such cases,however, the two stages of vacuum are employed merely in the attainmentof a very high vacuum and 10 not for the purpose of preventing leapingout of the product dust.

Because of the fact that there is no equalization between the vacuumapplied to the several heads or chambers, the tendency of the high 15degree of vacuum created in the jars about to leave the apparatus tobecome "diluted" by the presence of air in the jars entering theapparatus, is eliminated.

Another object is the provision in apparatus 20 of the above characterof means whereby the vacuum chamber and jar to be vacuumized cooperatewith eaoh other in sealing the chamber preparatory' to the removal ofair therefrom and in which such cooperation of the chamber and 25 jareffectively holds the jar against rotation about its own axis andthereby facilitates application and tightening of the jar closure. Tothis end the vacuum chamber consists of an inverted Y cup-like elementhaving a sealing gasket of rubber or other suitable material about itslower margin in position to be forced into sealing contact with theshoulder or other desired surface of the iar. Y

A further object is the provision in apparatus as of the above characterof a closure apDlyinB and tightening device disposed within a vacuumchamber such as that just referred to and operated by mechanismincluding means which will automatically render said ineffective 40after the closure has been completely applied and sufficientlytightened.

Other objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

In the drawings: 45.

Fig. 1 is a vertical central sectional view with parts in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a detail front elevational view of one of the heads of themachine.

rigisaviewsimilartollig. 2showingparts 50 broken away and in section andthe closure applying device disengaged from the( closure.

Fig. 3A is a sectional elevation taken along the line IIIA-IIIA of Fig.3.

^ Fig. 4 is a detail vertical sectional view taken as stantially alongthe line V-V of Fig. 4.

Figs. 6, '7, and 8 are sectional elevational views illustrating thesuccessive operations involved in vacuumizing and sealing a container.Fig. 6

' shows the jar and closure immediately upon being placed in the machineprior to upward movement relative to the vacuum chamber. Fig. 'l showsthe upper end of the jar cooperating with the vacuum chamber in sealingthe latter. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the closure applyingdevice in engagement with the closure.

Fig. 9 is a detail vertical sectional view with parts in section ofanother form of vacuum distributing head.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the lineX-X of Fig. 9..

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the relation betweenthe vacuum sealing machine and conveyors associated therewith.

Fig. 12 is a detail vertical sectional View with parts in elevationshowing a closure applying and tightening device including a plainresilient disk designed to engage a closure having an unbroken topsurface or button.

In more or less general terms my invention comprises an annular seriesof vacuumizing and sealing units each in itself a complete vacuumsealing device and including a vacuum chamber formed and adapted toenclose only the filling opening and a minor portion of the adjacentsurfaces of the containerand a closure for said opening. Provision is'made whereby progressively increasing degrees of vacuum may be appliedto the containers. Within each vacuum chamber is a closure applyingdevice which, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, assumesthe form of a constantly rotating head connected to means for rotatingit and periodically bringing it into operative engagement with aclosure. Additionally, there is included means for soy adjusting thevacuumizing and sealing units that containers varying in height anddiameter may be accommodated.

'Ihc present machine (Fig. 1l) is shown in conjunction with a conveyorsystem designed to deliver containers such as glass jars to the machinefor vacuumizing and sealing and removing thev vacuumized and sealedcontainers therefrom and transferring them to 4a packing room or otherdestination. This conveyor system includes a continuously movinghorizontal conveyor 20 extending alongside of the machine. A star wheel2i and guard rails 22 direct the containers to --the machine while astar wheel 23 and guard rails 24 function to move the vacuumized andsealed containers from the machine to the conveyor 20.k

The machine, according to the present disclosure consists of a rotarycarrier 25 for the vacuum sealing units 26 which are arranged in anannular series on said carrier, the latter being mounted upon astationary vertical central column 21 rising from a stationary base 28.This base includesr a motor and gear housing 29 in the form of avertical cylinder, the upper end of which is closed by a cap plate 3D. Asleeve 3i formed integral with the plate 3B supports the central column21 which is of tubular form and, as will be. apparent hereinafter,incidentally constitutes part of the vacuum piping system. An annularexterior shoulder 32 on the column 2l rests upon Fig.

carries an annular series of container supports.

3l which correspond in number to that of the vacuum sealing units andare mounted for vertical reciprocating movement independently of eachother and the base plate. Each of these supports consists' of ahorizontal disk 38 attached to the upper end of a vertical push rod 39which is slidingly fitted in and splined to a sleeve 40 depending from amarginal portion of thebase plate 34. A cam roller 4l at the lower endof the push rod rides upon a stationary cam 42 which encircles thesleeve-like housing 29 ofthe base and -is shaped to impart verticalmovement to the series of container supports in synchronism with theoperations of other parts of the machine.

Rotation of the base plate 34, and consequently the carrier 25, isobtained by mechanism including a ring gear 43 attached to the lowerside of the base plate and running in mesh with a pinion 44, the latterbeing secured to the upper end of a shaft 45. This 'shaft 45 isjournaled in bearings 46 and carries a worm gear 41 meshing with a worm48, the latter carried by a horizontal shaft 49 suitably journaled inbearings in the end walls of a gear housing 5D.` This shaft 49 is drivenby an electric motor 5I operating through pulleys 52 and a belt 53 orthe like which is trained over said pulleys. of the vertical shaft maybe connected to the conveyor system in order to effect synchronizedoperation of the vacuum sealing machine and said conveyor system.

A sleeve 55 rises from the center of the base plate 34 and encloses aportion of the central column about which it is adapted to rotate, saidl container supports 38 to the end that containers of different heightmay be accommodated. The construction providing for such adjustment mayconsist of a collar 58 threaded vupon the lower portion of the sleeve 55and rotativelyconnected at its upper end to said lower spider 35 bymeans of a ange 59 and ring'60. A hand wheel l6I carried by said collar58 facilitates rotation of the latter and consequent vertical adjustmentof the lower spider on said sleeve. The upper spider .35 is rotativelymounted upon a stationary bearing 62 which is provided at the upper endof a sleeve 63, the latter being secured by a key 64 or spline to a tube65, and said tube in turn being secured to the central column 21 bymeans of a pin 6B. The lower and upper spiders 35 and 36 are rigidlyconnected together by tie-bolts 67 and together with a ring gear 68 andcam, the latter carried by the sleeve 63, are adapted for unitaryvertical adjustment by means of said hand wheel 5l. .The ring gear ismounted be- A spur gear 54 at the lower end tween the hub 56 and sleeve63Y and is rigidly and nonrotatively connected to the. latter by meansof the .key 6I referred to above.

' Each vacuum sealing unit 26 includes a vacuum chamber 51, a closureapplying device` within the chamber, and means arranged above thechamber for operating the closure applying device. The vacuum chamber 51includes a sleevelike housing 10, the bore of .which is of slightlygreater diameter thanthe neck N and cap C or closure, of the jar J whichis to be vacuumized and sealed. Moreover, the lower end of the bore maybe and preferably is tapered so that when the chamber is brought intooperative position with respect to the jar said tapered walls ifnecessary will center the jar relative to the axis of the chamber withthe neck portion of the bottle extending into the chamber. Atthe bottomend of the chamber is arranged a combined sealing and gripping ring1i,this ring being preformed to substantially conform to the contour of thesurface to be engaged thereby. This ring is attached to the lower end ofthe vacuum chamber by means of a anged collar 12 and performs thetwo-fold function of creating an effective seal between the shoulderportions of the jar and the adjacent end of the vacuum chamber and soeilectively gripping the jar and cooperating with the jar supportingdisk 30 that the jar is held' against rotation during the application ofthe cap or closure C. Moreover, the creation of a subatmosphericcondition within the chamber operates to eiect rm engagement between thejar and chamber and prevent relative rotation of the jar and chamberduring tightening of the closure. This also lessens the pressure on thejar support and decreases crushing pressure on the jar shoulder. It willbe observed that, the vacuum chamber (Fig. 2) includes an attachingflange 13 which is secured to the lower side of the lower spider 35 bybolts 1l or like fasteners. In one wall of this vacuum chamber there isprovided a vacuum port 15 connected through a. hand valve 16 to a supplypipe 11 which extends upwardly and radially inward to a vacuumdistributing head 18, which, as has been stated rather generallyheretofore, is so constructed that it causes application of vacuum tothe chamber and jar in progressively increasing degrees. Thus byapplying a. comparatively low vacuum at the outset and stepping it up bydegrees, undue agitation of the contents and the consequentobjectionable results pointed out heretofore are avoided.

The vacuum distributing head includes a drumlike chamber 19 threadedupon the upper end of the central column 21 and communicating with theinterior of the latter which in turn is connected at its lower end to avacuum supply pipe B0. A series of circumferentially spaced vacuum ports8| (Fig. 5) graduated in size and increasing in diameter in thedirection of travel of the carrier 25, are formed in the wall 62 of thechamber 19, said ports opening into the interior of the chamber andproviding communication between the latter and a series of chambers 63,which one at a time, register with ports 64 in a rotary cap 85, said capbeing rotatively telescoped over the chamber and said ports 64 in thecap connected to said vacuum pipes 11. The chamber and cap are connectedtogether by a stub shaft, rising from the chamber and projectingupwardly through an opening in said cap. A spring 9| encireies the shaftand is heid-thereon by a nut s2.

An elongated arcuate channel 86 is provided in the exterior surface lofthe chamber 19, one

end of said channel being disposed in proximity to the largest of theseries of graduated ports 8i. This channel has independent directconnection to a vacuum supply pipe 81 by way of pipes 86, one of whichextends completely and longitudinally through the central'column 21.Anair admission port 60 (Figs. 1 and 5) is formed in the wall 62 of thechamber 15 and operates` to open the vacuum pipes 11 one at a time tothe atmosphere for the purpose of breaking the vacuum in the chambers51. Thus it may be seenthat rotation of the carrier 25 and said cap 65in a clockwise direction relative tothe chamber 19 brings the ports 64one at a time into register with the graduated ports and eifectsapplicationof vacuum to the chamber 51 and thereafter into communicationwith the channel 86 and nally into com. munication with the port 89.

Such operation eiects application of vacuum to the chambers in graduallyincreasing degrees and finally .through the channel 86 the applicationof the highest available vacuum. Upon completion of the vacuumizingoperation the ports 84 are brought one at a time into register with theport 89 through which air enters to fill the vacuum chambers. Prior toreaching the point at which the pipes 11 register with the port 69, theclosures C are completely applied and tightened to the jar, it beingunderstood that these closures are loosely attached to the jar neckswhiie moving along the conveyor 20 'or prior to being placed thereon.

Incidentally the upper spider 36 carries a post 93 (Figs.v 1 and 5)which engages an adjustable set screw 9| on an arm 05 extending radiallyfrom the cap 85.

Each closure applying mechanism, in the event it is being used totighten closures having a knife channel K or groove in their upper side,(substantally as shown in Carvalho Patent #1.912,969

dated June 6. 1933) consists of a rotary headrss which is larranged inthe upper portion of the corresponding vacuum chamber 51. gasket 99disposed within the upper end of the chamber and contacting the rotaryhead 08 prevents leakage of vacuum at this point. Attached to the lowerside of the rotary head 96 (Figs. 3 and 3A) and telescoped therein is ahanged disk |00 formed on its lower side with a pair of bosses 0|designed for'engagement with the grooved closure. Such engagementinvolves projection of the bosses into the channel K and is obtained bylowering of the head 08 under iniiuence of the cam 69. This disk i'ssplined to the head 98 and yieldingly connected thereto by means of ascrew f |02 and coil spring |03A encircling said screw.

Thus the disk is free to move vertically upward relativeto the head uponapplication of a predetermined top pressure to the latter.

This head 66 and the disk |00 are rotated continuously by mechanismincluding a shaft |041 which is secured at-its lower end to said head 98and has its upper end journaled in a bearing.

|06 forming a part of a cross head |06. Within vthis bearing |06 andinterposed between the latter and said shaft |00 isa-sleeve |01 whichcarries one disk |00 of a friction clutch |60. A nut |04! on the upperend of the shaft |04 and a collar |01* just below said nut and carriedby the sleeve |01 assist in holding-the parts 9,5- sembled. A key I0connects said sleeve |01 and shaft |04 sothat they rotate together. Theother clutch member I|| is provided with a hub ||2 freely rotatable onthe shaft |04. said hub assuming the form of a spur gear meshing withthe ring gear 68. This ring gear as will be understood closure. Themechanism for effecting such movement of the head 93 consists of.a camroller lll attached to the inner side of the cross head |09 in positionfor engagement with the cam 99, said cam being shaped to move the head90 downwardly through yielding connectors consisting of a coil spring||5 encircling the shaft |04 between upper and lower collars H8 and H1respectively, the former being loosely mounted upon the shaft while thelatter is threaded thereon. An antifriction bearing ||8 is interposedbetween the upper collar ||6 and said hub H2.

Return movement of the head 98 to its uppermostposition is eilected bymechanism including guide rods H9 attached to the opposite ends of thecross head |06, said rods having their opposite ends slidingly engagedin guide openings |20 in-the upper and lower spiders and havingcoilspring |2| encircling the lower portions loetween collars |22 andthe lower spider 35.

In operation, the carrier 25 is rotated continuously in a clockwisedirection. Containers such for example as jars, are placed upon thesupports 31 by means of the star wheel 2|. At a predetermined point inthe travel oi' the carrier the supports are moved vertically upwardbringing the Jars thereon into iirm sealing contact with the combinedsealing and gripping ring 1| the pressure of the latter upon the jarbeing sufficient to prevent rotation of the jar on its support andrelative to the vacuum chamber 51 during vthe closure applyingoperation. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber 51 and interior ofthe iaw by way of said series of graduated ports 8| and the pipes 11.The highest available vacuum is then applied to said chamber and jar byway of the channel 86 and the ports 84, this taking place during thetightening oi' the closure C. At this point the cam 69 operates throughthe cam roller lid to bring the continuously rotating head et intoengagement with the closure. When the closure has been tightened to thenecessary degree the friction clutch |09 slips and automatically breaksdriving connection between said head 98 and the ring gear 68. Followingthis operation the closure applying head 98 is released and allowed tomove upwardly under influence of the coil springs 2| Air enters thevacuum chamber by way of the port 89 and the correspending vacuum pipe11.

In another form of vacuum distributing head (Figs. 9 and 10) theconstruction includes a pair of upper and lower disks |23 and |24respectively, the latter designed for attachment to the upper end of thecentral column in the same fashion as is the chamber 19. In this lowerdisk there is formed a series of circumierentially spaced graduatedports which establish communication between the interior of the centralcoliunn and a series of chambers |26 which open through the upper sideof said lower disk and are adapted for register with ports |21 in theupper disk. These ports |21 correspond in number to that of thepipes 11which lead to the vacuum chambers 51. The full available vacuum isapplied. to` the chambers by way of a passageway |28 which is connectedto a vacuum pipe |29 corresponding to the pipe 88 in the previouslydescribed formA of head. The two disks are connected together by meansincluding a stub shaft |30 rising from the center of the lower disk andprojecting through an opening |3| in the upper disk. A coil spring |32encircles the shaft |30 between an antifriction bearing |33 and a locknut |34, said spring yieldingly holding the disks in snug engagementwith eachother. An oil cup |35 or other similar device may be mountedupon the upper disk for the purpose of lubricating the contacting facesof said disk.

In Fig. 12 I have shown: a slightly modiiied form' of closure applyingdevice -Wherein the flanged disk |00, instead of being provided withbosses'on its lower face, carries a friction gripping disk |36 which maybe formed of rubber or any equivalent composition. These two disks |00and |38 are secured together by screws |31 or the like fasteners. Thisform of closure applying device is particularly adaptable for tighteningclosures which I are not p rovided with grooves, bosses or the like ontheir upper surface and wherein friction alone must be relied upon toeect driving engagement between the head and closure. Y

Modifications may be resorted to within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to bevacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted toenclose a portionof the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin ofthe chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement between saidsupport and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and container intoengagement with each other, a continuously rotating device within thechamber for applying a closure to the container, means for bringing saiddevice into engagement with the closure, means for applyingprogressively increasing degrees of vacuum to thc container and chamberand means for rotating the closure applying device including a frictionclutch operating torender the closure rotating means ineffective uponcompletion of the closure applying operation.

2. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container having afilling opening at its upper end, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamberadapted to enclose the iilling opening and a closure for said opening, asealing ring at the lower margin of said chamber, means for effectingrelative vertical movement between said support and chamber to therebybring the ring and container into sealing engagement with each other,means within said chamber for applying the closure to the container,means for applying progressively increasing degrees of vacuum to thecontainer and chamber, said closure applying means including acontinuously rotating device adapted for engagement with the closure,and means including a friction clutch for rotating said device.

3. In a vacuum sealing machine, a Support for a container to bevacuumized and sealed, said container having a filling opening at itsupper end and a closure partially applied thereto, a vacuumchamberadapted to enclose said filling opening and closure and .havesealing engagement with portions of the container about the opening,means within said chamber for completing application of the closuretothe container, means for exhausting the air from said chamber andcontainer, said closure applying means including the closure, means forbringing said head into contact with the closure, and means providingvertically yielding connection between the 4head and rotating means.

4. ln'a.` vacuum sealing machine, a carrier mounted for rotation about avertical axis, an

annular series of container supports thereon,

vacuum chambers individual to and spaced above said supports, saidchambers adapted to enclose only a portion of the containers on saidsupports, means for bringing the chambers and containers intocooperative relation to eachother, means for exhausting the air from thechambers and containers during a portion of each revolution of thecarrier, means within the chambers for applying closures to thecontainers. each of said closure applying means including a headarranged within the corresponding vacuum chamber, means for impartingcontinuous rotary movement to the head, and means for bringing the headinto opl erative engagement with a closure on a container and meansproviding vertically yielding connection between the head and rotatingmeans therefor.

5. In a. vacuum sealing machine, a carrier mounted for rotation about avertical axis, an annular series of4 container supports thereon, vacuumchambers individual to and spaced above said supports, said chambersadapted to enclose a. minor portion only o! containers arranged uponsaid supports, means for bringing the chambers and containers intocooperative relation to each other, means for exhausting the air fromthe chambers and containers during movement of the carrier, means.within the chambers for applying closures to the containers, each ofsaid closure applying means including a head arranged within thecorresponding vacuum chamber,l means for imparting continuous rotarymovement to the head, means for bringing the Y head into operativeengagement with a closure on a container, and a friction clutchconstituting part of the head rotating means and operating to render thelatter ineilective upon completion of the closure applying operation.

6.. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose theiilling opening and at least a portion oi theadjacent surface of acontainer to be vacuumized and sealed, means ior'applying progressivelyincreasing degrees of vacuum to the chamber and container, a closureapplying device within the vacuum chamber including a rotary head, meansfor bringing the head into engagement with a closure on the conrainer, acontainer support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing andgripping ring carried by the vacuum chamber adapted -to cooperate withsaid support in holding the 4container against rotary movement relativeto the vacuum chamber, means for continuously rotating said head, and avertically yielding connector between said head and its rotating means.

7. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose theillling opening and at least a portion o! the adjacent surface o! acontainer to be vacuumized and sealed, means for applying vacuum to thechamber and container, a closure applying device within the vacuumchamber including a rotary head. means for bringing the head intoengagement with a closure on the container, a container support belowthe vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried by thevacuum chamber and adapted to cooperatewith said supportln holding thecontainer against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber, meansfor continuously rotating said head and a vertically yielding connectorbetween said head and its rotating means.

8. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to bevacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted toenclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin,of the chamber, means for moving the container support verticallyupward to thereby bring the sealing ring and container into engagementwith each other, a rotatable device within the chamber for tightening athreaded closure upon the container, means for bringing said device intoengagement with the closure, means for applying progressively increasingdegrees of vacuum tothe container and chamber, a vertically yieldingconnector between the closure applying device and the means for bringingit into engagement with the closure, and means for rotating said device.

9. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to bevacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted toenclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower marginof the chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement betweensaid support and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and containerinto engagement with each other, a device within the chamber fortightening a closure to the container, `means for bringing said deviceinto engagement with the closure, means for exhausting the air from saidcontainer and chamber, a vertically yielding connector between theclosure applying device and the means iorbringing it into engagementwith the closure, and means for rotating the device including a frictionclutch operable to render the yrotating means ineffective uponcompletion of the closure applying operation.

10. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to bevacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted toenclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower marginof the chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement betweensaid support and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and containerinto engagement with each other, a device within the chamber fortightening a closure to the container, means for bringing said deviceinto engagement with the closure. means for applying progressivelyincreasing degrees oi vacuum to the container and chamber, a

vertically yielding connector between the closure container, a closureapplying device within the vacuum chamber including a rotary head. meansforbringing the head into engagement with a closure on the container, acontainer support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing andgripping ring carried bythe vacuum chamber and adapted to cooperate withsaid support in holding the container against rotary movement relativeto the vacuum chamber. means for rotating said head including a pinionindividual thereto and clutch means for eiTecting driving connectionbetween the pinion andhead at intervals and means for rotating thepinion.

12. In a vacuum sealing machine for vacuumizing containers andtightening threaded closures thereon, the combination of an annularseries oi container supports mounted for rotation about a. verticalaxis, inverted cup-like vacuum chambers individual to said supports andarranged thereabove and in alignment therewith, a combined I sealing andgripping ring at the lower margin of by is tightened on its respectivecontainer, and

means for exhausting air from said chambers.

13. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose thefilling opening and at least a portion of the adjacent surface of acontainer to be vacuumized and sealed, means for applying vacuum to thechamber and container, a closure applying device within the vacuumchamf' ber including a rotary head, means for bringing the head intoengagement with a closure on the container, a container support belowthe vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried by thevacuum chamber and adapted to cooperate with said support in holding thecontainer against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber, meansfor rotating said head including a vertical spindle carrying said head.a pinion mounted for free rotation on said spindle, clutch means foreffecting a driving connection between said pinion and spindle atintervals, and a ring gear meshing with said pinion.

14. In a vacuum sealing machine, a. stationary base, a verticallyextending central column projecting upwardly from said base, a. rotarycarrier mountedon said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing unitsmounted on said carrier, each unit including a chamber for vacuumizing acon tainer, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuumchamber mounted on said column, means connecting said chamber with asource of relatively low vacuum, there being a plurality ofcircumierentially spaced vacuum ports extending through said head andcommunicating with the interior of said chamber, said ports beinggraduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travelof said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channelformed in said head, means connecting said channel with a source ofrelatively high vacuum, a cap mounted on said head for rotation withsaid carrier, said cap having a plurality o1' ports thereincommunicating with the vacuum chambers oi' said sealing units andadapted first to successively register with said vacuum ports and inallywith said vacuum channel, and means for rotating said carrier.

l5. In a vacuum sealing machine, a stationary base, a verticallyextending central column projecting upwardly from said base,'a rotarycarrier mounted on said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing unitsmounted on said carrier, each unit including a chambervfor vacuumizing acontainer, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuumchamber mounted on said column, means connecting said vacuum chamberwith a source of relatively low vacuum, said head having a plurality of`circumferentially spaced vacuum ports extending therethrough andcommunicating with the interior of said vacuum chamber, said ports beinggraduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travel'of said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channelformed in said head, means connecting said channel ywith a source ofrelatively high vacuum, there being an air admission port in said head,a cap mounted on said head for rotation with said carrier, said caphaving a plu rality oi ports therein communicating with the vacuumchambersoi said sealing units and adapted first to register successivelywith said vacuum ports, secondly with said vacuum channel, and lastlywith said air admission port.

16. In a vacuum sealing machine, a stationary base, a verticallyextending central column projecting upwardly from said base, a rotarycarrier mounted on said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing unitsmounted on said carrier, each unit including a chamber for vacuumizing acontainer, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuumchamber mounted on said column, means connecting said vacuum chamberwith a source oi vacuum, said head having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced vacuum ports extending therethrough andcommunicating with the interior oi said vacuum chamber, said ports beinggraduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travelof said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channelformed in said head, means connecting said channel with a separatesource of vacuum, there being an air admission port in said head, a capmounted on said head for rotation with said carrier, said cap having aplurality of ports therein communicating with the vacuum chambers ofsaid sealing units and adapted first to register successively with saidvacuum ports, secondly with said vacuum channel, and lastly with saidair admission port.

HERBERT A. BARNBY.

